White House Adviser Declares US 'Completely Closed' to Asylum Seekers
White House adviser Stephen Miller has declared that the United States is now completely closed to asylum seekers, following a Supreme Court ruling that allows border agents to turn away migrants who have not set foot on US soil. In a press briefing, Miller stated that the Trump administration has implemented international agreements to relocate asylum seekers to other countries, effectively shutting the door on those seeking refuge at the southern border.
Supreme Court Ruling on 'Metering' Policy
The US Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that government officials can deny asylum to migrants at the southern border if they have not yet entered US territory. The decision clears the way for the revival of the controversial 'metering' policy, under which immigration agents physically block asylum seekers from crossing the border, as reported by Al Jazeera. Miller praised the ruling, saying it allows the administration to enforce immigration laws more strictly.
Miller's Remarks on Haitian Refugees
Speaking to reporters, as quoted by PBS News, Miller addressed the status of Haitian refugees with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). He asserted that Haiti is a safe country for Haitians, despite acknowledging pockets of high crime. 'There's no viable asylum or CAT claim for any Haitian seeking relief from going back to Haiti,' Miller said. He compared crime rates in parts of Haiti to those in US cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Los Angeles, arguing that high crime alone does not constitute a basis for asylum.
Birthright Citizenship and 14th Amendment
Miller also reiterated his call to end birthright citizenship, stating that the US has no future if it continues. He said the correct way to end it is for the Supreme Court to rule on the original meaning of the 14th Amendment. 'One way or another, this nation has to end birthright citizenship,' he declared.
Asylum Claims Called 'Always Fraudulent'
Miller claimed that all asylum claims at the southwest border are fraudulent, describing applicants as 'criminals, benefit seekers, economic migrants, welfare seekers, etc.' He argued that many migrants pass through multiple countries where they could have sought asylum. 'The good news for them is that we have other countries willing to take them,' he added.
Humanitarian Argument for Ending Illegal Immigration
Miller framed the administration's crackdown as a humanitarian imperative, asserting that every illegal immigrant is smuggled by cartels and subjected to abuse. 'The most humanitarian thing we could do is to end illegal immigration,' he said, citing instances of rape, robbery, and indentured servitude. He claimed that 13 or 14 consecutive months have passed without a single person being released across the southern border, a record never achieved before.
Enforcement Measures and Deportations
Miller praised Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for achieving results through efficient mechanisms, including an executive order to block undocumented immigrants from US bank accounts. He also highlighted budgetary reforms at ICE to allocate resources toward enforcement and removal operations. Miller noted that new ICE legislation passed through Congress will allow deportation numbers to climb further.
Targeting Haitian Migrants
Miller alleged that the Biden administration flew in over a million illegal immigrants from Haiti, many of whom are now subject to deportation following the Supreme Court ruling. 'If you no longer have status in this country, then you're supposed to be deported,' he said, adding that these individuals have all their ties and family back in Haiti.
